JP7401172B2 - Vehicle camera module - Google Patents

Description

The present invention is directed to the construction of a camera module or assembly mounted on the surface of a motor vehicle for capturing images of the surroundings.

It is an object of the invention to provide a camera module that can be constructed with a reduced number of components and that can be easily installed in a vehicle in order to reduce production time and costs.

A further object of the invention is to provide a camera module that is compact and ensures proper alignment of the optical axis of the camera.

Automatic camera modules are widely used for various purposes, for example in motor vehicles, in driving assistance systems that assist the driver during parking or in detecting obstacles around the vehicle. For example, the camera module can be mounted at the rear of the vehicle to provide rearward vision while the vehicle is parked, or as a supplementary or replaceable element of the outside side mirrors.

The camera module typically includes a camera unit and a housing for fixing the camera unit to the surface of the vehicle, the camera unit and the support being assembled into a single unit for mounting it on the vehicle during the vehicle manufacturing process. assembled together into modules or assemblies. For example, camera modules conventionally include an optical assembly that incorporates a lens and a light sensor that define the optical axis of the camera. The housing has two parts, namely a front housing part and a rear housing part, such that these parts are assembled axially in the direction of the optical axis, so that the camera unit axially held in between.

The front housing portion has a circular window for receiving the camera lens, and the rear housing portion includes another window for providing access to a wiring harness connected to the camera's sensor electronics.

US Pat. No. 6,001,300 describes a conventional camera module assembly that requires four screws to fasten two parts of the housing. These screws are screwed in a direction parallel to the optical axis, so they can only be accessed from the rear area of the camera module, where the camera wiring harness is normally located. This location of the screw makes it difficult for the operator to access the screw during the camera module assembly process.

Therefore, traditional camera modules require a large number of screws to assemble them, and the screws are located at the rear part of the module, which is difficult to reach, and therefore the installation process of the camera module is , which has the drawbacks of being cumbersome, time-consuming, and costly.

On the other hand, for proper operation of the camera, it is fundamental to ensure that the optical axis is correctly aligned regardless of vehicle vibrations.

US Patent No. 10,277,786A1

Due to the increasing demand for camera modules in the production of motor vehicles and their increasing relevance for safe driving, in order to reduce production time and costs and ensure perfect alignment of the optical axis, There is a need for a camera module that can be easily installed and assembled with a reduced number of components.

The invention, as defined in the accompanying independent claims, satisfactorily overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art.

Aspects of the invention are directed to a camera module for a vehicle, which includes a camera unit with a camera housing and an optical system defining an optical axis fitted inside the camera housing. The camera housing has an outer front contact surface at the front of the camera housing, the front contact surface being transverse to the optical axis. In this description, intersecting is a plane or line that intersects or cuts another plane or line at any angle, i.e. that is not parallel to one or more other planes or lines. I want it to be understood that there is. Preferably, the front contact surface and the optical axis are orthogonal, ie, orthogonal as the particular case of transverse configurations where the optical axis is perpendicular to the front contact surface.

The camera module can be attached to a support configured to be attached to a surface of the vehicle, and when the support and cover are fastened together, the camera module is held pressed against the support. It further includes a cover configured as follows.

The support is further configured to accommodate the camera unit in the predefined operating position. To that end, the support has a main positioning surface that defines a main reference plane transverse to the optical axis, so that when the camera housing is operatively attached to the support, the front contact surface of the camera housing and the primary positioning surfaces are contacted and pressed against each other to ensure that the camera unit is placed in the correct position.

The camera module further comprises fastening means for attaching the cover and support together. The fastening means are constructed and arranged such that the cover can be fastened together with the support, and preferably the fastening means are arranged to have a fastening direction transverse or oblique to the optical axis.

The cover and/or the support are configured to press the camera unit towards the main positioning plane at least in a direction parallel to the optical axis and/or in a direction perpendicular to the main positioning plane. Preferably, the cover is configured to press the camera unit towards the main positioning plane, at least in a direction parallel to the optical axis and/or in a direction perpendicular to the main positioning plane.

Preferably, the fastening means are two screws, the screwing axes of which are transverse to the optical axis, i.e. the optical axis (X) lies in a plane containing the screwing axes (which are parallel to each other). In contrast, it is in the transverse direction. If the screw axes are not parallel to each other, they are in different planes and are not parallel, so the screw axis and the optical axis can be defined as a skew line in the skew position.

With this configuration, and considering that the optical axis is used to be substantially horizontal in the vehicle coordinate system, the screws have the electrical connection of the camera, as in the prior art module. It can be accessed from the area above the module, or vertically from the vehicle coordinate system, rather than horizontally from the rear part, or from the vehicle coordinate system, where the terminals and wire harnesses are conventionally located. In this way, for the assembly process, the operator can approach the camera module from another direction rather than from the rear, and the screws can be inserted more easily by the operator using a tool such as a screwdriver from an upper perspective position. can be accessed.

As another advantage, the camera module further comprises at least one first pressure means, such as, for example, a spring, a rubber block, a flexible plastic tab or a flexible metal tab, which comprises a cover and a / or provided on the support, and when the cover is fastened to the support, the first pressure means push the camera unit parallel to the optical axis at least relative to the main positioning plane, i.e. relative to the main reference plane of the support; direction and/or perpendicular to the primary positioning plane. Preferably, the first pressure means is provided on the cover.

The support and the cover are configured such that when the support and the cover are operatively coupled together, the cover can be pressed against the camera unit by the support, i.e. the cover can be press-fitted with the support; It can have such dimensions.

The support has a pressure control element for positioning the cover at a predetermined distance relative to the main positioning surface, the first pressure means of the cover achieving pressing of the camera unit against the main positioning surface with a predetermined force. and the cover is dimensioned to fit between the camera unit and the pressure control element. Preferably, the at least one control element has two consecutive guide surfaces, each guide surface having a different slope for guiding the cover while being connected to the support.

In a preferred embodiment, the support has at least a portion with a generally L-shaped configuration (in cross section) with a vertical portion and a horizontal portion, the vertical portion having a primary positioning surface. In a preferred embodiment, the cover also has at least a portion having an L-shaped configuration (in cross section) with a vertical portion and a horizontal portion, and the support and cover, when fastened, The sections are configured to be generally parallel to each other and the horizontal portions of the support and cover are generally parallel to each other. When the support and cover are installed, they together define a chamber within which the camera unit is immovably housed.

The cover has first pressure means in the vertical part that press the camera unit in a direction parallel to the optical axis and/or perpendicular to the main positioning plane, and preferably the cover further comprises: , having second pressure means in the horizontal part for pressing the camera unit transversely to the optical axis against a second positioning surface of the support defined in the horizontal part of the support. The second pressure means in the horizontal part presses the camera unit against the main positioning surface with a lower intensity than the pressure created by the first pressure means provided in the vertical part of the cover. Press the unit towards the second positioning surface.

As mentioned above, by configuring and providing first and second pressure means in both the vertical and horizontal parts of the cover, the cover presses at least the camera unit in two directions, namely: One is parallel to the optical axis and the other is transverse to the optical axis. With this configuration of the module, the camera unit is fixed to the module in a simple way using only two screws.

Furthermore, the cover also supports the camera unit, transversely to the optical axis and transversely to the pressing direction of the first pressure means of the horizontal part of the cover, on the first side of the support defined on the lateral side of the support. The side wall includes third pressure means for pressing against the positioning surface of 3.

For example, the first and/or second and/or third pressure means contact and are deflected against the camera module to press against the camera module when the cover is operably fastened to the support. at least one flexible tab configured.

In a preferred embodiment, the cover and support have cooperatively engaging means, such as, for example, flexible tabs that engage protrusions formed on the cover and support, respectively, and vice versa. and thus the cover and support are preassembled and held together before and during their fastening.

The present invention can be easily installed manually in a vehicle and configured in a cost-effective manner using a reduced number of fastening means (e.g. screws, etc.), and at the same time To provide a camera module in which the optical axis of a camera is completely and reliably aligned during a live span.

In a preferred embodiment, the cover has an inner surface of the horizontal portion of the cover that causes the protruding member to contact and press the camera unit transversely to the optical axis when the cover and support are operably coupled. Incorporate the provided protruding member.

The invention is also directed to an outer housing for a vehicle incorporating a camera module such as that defined above, the outer housing being adapted to be fastened onto the outer side of the vehicle and in which the lens of the camera unit is arranged. It has an opening.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the invention in which the obstructing movements of the camera module are shown in three-axis coordinate space: yaw (α), pitch (β), and roll (γ). FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the camera module of FIG. 1 in an assembled state. 2 is another perspective view of the camera module of FIG. 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the same embodiment. FIG. 3 is a top view of the same embodiment. FIG. 3 is a rear elevational view of the same embodiment. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along plane A-A in FIG. 6. FIG. 8 shows an enlarged detail B from FIG. 7; FIG. Figure 3 is a side elevational view of the same embodiment. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along plane C-C of FIG. 6. FIG. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of the invention, with the cover shown in a pre-assembled position, with arrows indicating the contact areas of the resilient tabs of the cover and the camera unit when the cover is combined; It shows. Figure 3 is a perspective view from below of the cover, with arrows indicating the contact area of the resilient tab of the cover and the camera unit when the cover is coupled; FIG. 3 shows a side elevational view of the camera module in a pre-assembled position when the cover is in contact with the first guide portion, and includes an enlarged detail of the portion of the cover that is in contact with the first guide portion. FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the camera module with the cover assembled with the support and camera unit. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the outer housing. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the outer housing. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the outer housing. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the fixed base of the outer housing.

Figure 1 shows a preferred embodiment of a camera module (1) according to the invention, which is attached to a camera unit (2), a support (3) and a cover. and a cover (4) configured to maintain the camera unit (2) pressed against the support (3) when (4) are fastened together. The camera unit (2) itself is conventional and is not part of the invention.

The camera unit (2) includes a camera housing (5) and an optical system mounted inside the housing (5), and the optical system includes a lens (6) that defines an optical axis (X) of the camera and an optical sensor. (not shown). The camera housing (5) has a front contact surface (7) formed outwardly at the front of the housing (5) and arranged orthogonally to the optical axis (X). In this example, the front contact surface (7) is formed by four individual projections (21).

The camera housing (5) has a front part (5a) and a rear part (5b) arranged on both sides of the housing (5) and arranged linearly with respect to the optical axis (X). The front part (5a) has a lens (6) and the rear part (5b) has a camera electrical terminal (8) for electrically connecting the camera unit (2) to an external system (not shown).

The support (3) is configured to attach the camera module (1) to the surface of the vehicle, for example via its underside (9), by conventional means. The support (3) is configured to receive the camera unit (2) in a predefined operating position, for example as shown in FIGS. 7 and 10. To that end, the support (3) has a main positioning surface (10) formed inside the support and defining a main reference plane (H) (shown in Figure 10) transverse to the optical axis (X). has. When the camera unit (2) is operably mounted on the support (3), the front contact surface (7) and the main positioning surface (10) of the camera unit (2) are best shown in Figures 7 and 10. contact and ensure correct positioning of the camera unit (2) in the direction of the optical axis (X) and any displacement of the camera unit (5) in the optical axis (X) and in pitch and yaw angles. Try to prevent some kind of rotation.

As shown in Figures 1 and 9, the support (3) has a generally L-shaped configuration with a vertical part (3a) and a horizontal part (3b), the vertical part (3a) having a main positioning surface ( 10) and a front window (11) on the main positioning surface (10).

The cover (4) also has an L-shaped configuration with a vertical part (4b) comprising a rear window (12) and a horizontal part (4a). As shown in Figures 2, 3, and 9, the support (3) and cover (4), when they are joined, the vertical portions (3a, 4b) of the support and cover generally parallel and the horizontal portions (3b, 4a) of the support and cover are generally parallel to each other.

As shown in Figures 7, 9 and 10, the module (1) has a reduced volume because the support and cover together define a housing that houses the camera unit (2). , the front part (5a) of the camera unit (2) passes through the front window (11) and protrudes outside the support (3), and the rear part (5b) of the camera unit (2) passes through the front window (11). 12) and protrudes outside the cover (4).

The fastening means for attaching the support and cover (3, 4) consist of only two screws (13, 13') and the corresponding perforations (14, 14') ) to penetrate. In this case, the axes (Y', Y) of the screws (13, 13') do not intersect the optical axis (X), and the axes (Y', Y) are tilted with respect to the optical axis (X). or in a transverse direction (orthogonal in this case). In other words, in this embodiment, the optical axis (X) is transverse to the plane containing the axes (Y', Y), considering that the screwing axes are parallel.

Therefore, the cover (4) is fastened to the support (3) in the direction transverse to the optical axis (X) (in the direction of the screw axis (Y', Y)), and the cover (4) is 2) is pressed against the main positioning surface (10) in a direction parallel to the optical axis (X) and/or in a direction perpendicular to the main positioning surface (10).

The screws (13, 13') are therefore easily accessible from the area above the horizontal part (4a) of the cover (4), i.e. of the camera unit (2) where the camera connector and wiring harness are normally located. It can be accessed separately from the rear (5b). In addition, this configuration of the screws (13, 13') does not require any volume in the rear area of the camera module, making it possible to install the camera module (1) in a limited space of the vehicle.

As shown in Figure 6, first pressure means are provided on the cover (4). The first pressure means comprises at least one flexible tab (17, 17'). In this embodiment, two flexible tabs (17, 17') are respectively arranged on the two lateral sides of the vertical part (4b) of the cover (4). These two flexible tabs (17, 17') are the main position of the camera unit (2) on the support (3) when the cover (4) is fastened to the support (3). with respect to the plane (10), in the same or parallel direction as the optical axis (X) and/or in the direction perpendicular to the principal positioning plane (10), i.e. along the optical axis (X). It is configured to be pressed in a direction perpendicular to the reference plane (H). The cover (4) ensures that the pressure applied by the flexible tabs (17, 17') causes some displacement of the camera unit (2) at least along the axis (X), as well as pitch (β) and yaw (α ) is designed to be sufficient to prevent any rotation in the corners.

The cover (4) also comprises a flexible front tab (15) on the front edge of its horizontal portion (4a), which is formed on the upper edge of the vertical portion (3a) of the support (3). In cooperation with the protrusion (16), the flexible front tab (15) flexes and engages the protrusion (16) to secure the cover (4) and support (3) before the screwing process. and held in engagement during the process. Having the two components pre-assembled, cover (4) and support (3), during the screwing operation, since there is no need to hold the two components together by hand and screwing can be carried out with only one hand is very convenient for the operator. The flexible tab (15) coupled with the protrusion (16) is adapted to withstand at least the pressure exerted in the direction of the optical axis (X) by the flexible tabs (17, 17'). Designed.

Furthermore, the support (3) has a second reference plane (H') defined in the horizontal part (3b) of the support (3) parallel to the optical axis (X), or a second positioning plane (in Fig. 10). (as shown). The cover (4) further comprises a second pressure means, in this embodiment another flexible tab (18), which when the cover (4) is fastened to the support (3) A flexible tab (18) is arranged transversely to the optical axis (X) and further transversely to a second reference plane (H') to a second positioning plane. , configured to press the camera unit (2) with a flexible force. The pressure applied by the flexible tab (18) is sufficient to prevent any displacement of the camera unit (2) at least along the axis (Y) and rotation in the roll angle.

Therefore, due to the configuration of the support (3) and cover (4) described above in combination with the configuration of the screws (13, 13'), only two screws (13, 13') are connected to the camera module (1). is necessary for the assembly of the camera unit (2) because the cover (4) pushes the camera unit (2) in the two transverse directions (A, A') indicated by the arrows in FIG.

The cover (4) can be a single body obtained in one piece from a plastic or metal material, for example by injection molding or by a 3D printing fabrication process. Therefore, the tabs (15, 17, 17', 18) can be formed integrally with the cover (4).

The support (3) can be made of metal or plastic, and it can also be formed as an integral single body. In other practical embodiments, the cover and/or support is obtained as a combination of metal and plastic.

The support (3) has a set of control elements (20, 20'), in this embodiment two, extending vertically from the horizontal part (3b) of the support (3); ) has a back surface (19) facing the main positioning surface (10). The back surface (19) in this embodiment is parallel to the main positioning plane (10), but that does not exclude any other possible angles; It is arranged to be in contact with the vertical part (4b) on the outside.

Preferably, and as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the control element (20, 20') has two consecutive surfaces or ramps (19, 19'), each of which is connected to the cover (4). to its permanent and final position while being connected to the support (3).

By way of example, the cover (4) is dimensioned to fit between the back surface (19) and the camera unit (2). Furthermore, the cover (4) can be dimensioned to fit between the back surface (19) and the camera unit, such that the cover (4) is pressed against the camera unit.

The support (3) has at least one side wall (3c, 3d), in an embodiment two walls parallel to each other and connected to the vertical and horizontal parts (3a, 3b) of the support (3). Two side walls (3c, 3d) are shown. These side walls (3c, 3d) project at right angles from the vertical part (3a) of the support (3).

Similarly, the cover (4) has at least one side wall (4c, 4d), which in embodiments can be parallel to each other, and vertical and horizontal parts (4a, 4b) of the cover (4). ) showing the two side walls (4c, 4d) that are connected. These side walls (4c, 4d) project at right angles from the vertical part (4b) of the cover (4).

Furthermore, at least one side wall (4c, 4d) of the cover (4) comprises a third pressure means, for example a tab (not shown) similar to the tab (17, 17'), which The camera module (2) is supported (3) transversely to the optical axis (X) so as to prevent the camera module (2) from displacing in the direction of the axis (Z) shown in Figure 1. ) is configured to press against a third positioning surface defined on one of the side walls (3c, 3d).

The fastening means arrange the horizontal part (4a) of the cover at a predetermined distance relative to the second positioning surface, and therefore the fastening means can also be understood as another set of control means.

At a predetermined distance from the third positioning surface, the support (3 ) on the side walls (3c, 3d).

The pressure applied by the second and/or third pressure means is caused by the action of the flexible tabs (17, 17') being applied by the second and/or third pressure means to the camera unit (2). This is preferably lower than the pressure exerted by the flexible tabs (17, 17'), as this can be influenced by the pressure exerted by the flexible tabs (17, 17').

For example, as shown in Figure 9 and in the enlarged detail of Figure 8, when support (3) and cover (4) are installed, the side walls (4c, 4d) of cover (4) Each is tightly fitted between the control element (20, 20') and the side wall (3c, 3d). This also makes the connection between cover (4) and support (3) more intuitive.

In the embodiments of Figures 11 to 14, the camera module (1) can also be attached to the camera unit (2), the support (3), and the support (3) and the cover (4). ) and a cover (4) configured to hold the camera unit (2) pressed against the support (3) when fastened together. The fastening means for attaching the support and cover (3, 4) also include two screws (13, 13') and corresponding drillings (14, 14') passing through the cover (4) and support (3). It consists only of.

The cover (4) also has an L-shaped configuration, it has a vertical part (4b) with a rear window (12) and a horizontal part (4a), and the cover ( 4) incorporates two flexible tabs (17, 17') placed respectively on the two lateral sides of the vertical part (4b) and as described above for the embodiments of Figures 1 to 10. Provides the same functionality as

The cover (4) further comprises a second flexible tab (18), which is provided on the horizontal portion (4a) of the cover (4) and which is fastened to the support (3). When pressed, the flexible tab (18) presses the camera unit (2) against the second positioning surface with a flexible force in a direction transverse to the optical axis (X). .

In the embodiment of Figures 11 to 14, the cover (4) further incorporates a protruding member (22) provided on the inner surface of the horizontal part (4a) of the cover (4), thus as shown in Figure 13. , when the cover (4) and the support (3) are operably coupled, these protruding members (22) contact and press against the top of the camera unit (2), causing the camera unit (2) to To keep it stable, ie to avoid any undesirable misalignment of the optical axis of the camera unit.

These protruding members (22) are defined in the horizontal part (3b) of the support (3), i.e. as shown in FIG. Provided to press the camera unit (2) against the reference plane (H').

As represented in Figure 12, the support (3) is at least arranged in contact with the vertical part (4b) in order to gradually guide the cover (4) during its assembly into its correct position. Having control elements (20, 20') (preferably two) with one back surface (19), the assembly process is easier and more intuitive for the operator and therefore faster.

Preferably, as shown more clearly in FIGS. 12 and 8, the control element (20, 20') has two consecutive guide surfaces (19, 19') in the form of ramps, each of which , so as to gradually guide the cover (4) to its permanent and final position at the rear of the camera unit (2) opposite the lens (6) while being coupled to the support (3). , with different slopes.

The first guide surface (19') formed in the area above the control element (20) initially has a certain slope in order to receive the cover (4), but the first guide surface (19') ) is formed at the lower right of the with a different (near vertical as represented in Figure 12) slope.

Based on the optical axis (X) of the lens (6), the first guide surface (19') can be defined with a smaller slope than the second guide surface (19).

When the cover (4) is correctly assembled with the support (3), the control element (20) directs the vertical part (4b) in the direction of its optical axis, as indicated by the arrow in the enlarged detail of Fig. 12. , force it to be pressed against the camera unit (2).

The outer region of the end of the vertical part (4b) of the cover is preferably configured as an inclined surface (42) cooperating with the two guide surfaces (19, 19').

Furthermore, the cover (4) has an eave (41) projecting downward from the front edge of the horizontal portion (4a) of the cover (4) in a direction generally parallel to the vertical portion (4b). This eave (41) further facilitates the process of fixing the support (3) and the cover (4), as shown more clearly in FIG. 13. More specifically, the eaves (41) and the support are such that when the cover (4) is assembled with the support (3) surrounding the camera unit (2), a portion of the front wall (23) of the support (3) It is configured to be trapped between the front of the camera unit (2) and the eaves (41). Using this configuration, any problems that may occur with any pre-assembled clip (15) (such as the one shown in FIG. 1) are prevented.

14A, 14B, through its fixing base (25) (generally flat, slightly curved or following the contours of the external side of the vehicle to which it is attached) and fastening, such as for example screws of fixing pins. Figure 2 shows an outer housing (24) for a vehicle adapted to be fixed by means of a fitting (26) on an external side of the vehicle, such as, for example, a side door. The outer housing (24) is configured to be mounted on the outer side of the vehicle in a location that allows the camera to capture images from a rear side area of the vehicle.

The outer housing (24) has an opening (27) through which the lens (6) can capture images. The outer housing (24) of this exemplary embodiment is formed by three parts; the bottom housing part (24a), the inner housing part (24b) and the outer housing part (24c) at the same time as the outer housing part (24b, 24c), so that there is a separation line (28) between the outer and inner housing parts (24b, 24c). is defined. An electrical connection harness (29) passes through the base (25) and connects the camera to image processing equipment (not shown) external to the vehicle.

As shown in Figure 14D, the support (3) for receiving the camera unit (2) is connected to the base (25) of the housing (24), and in use the camera unit (2) is attached to the housing (24). protected by

Other preferred embodiments of the invention are set out in the accompanying dependent claims and combinations of these claims.

1 camera module
2 camera unit
3 Support
3a Vertical section
3b horizontal part
3c side wall
3d side wall
4 cover
4a horizontal part
4b Vertical section
4c side wall
4d side wall
5 Camera housing
5a front
5b Rear
6 lenses
7 Front contact surface
8 electrical terminals
9 Bottom side
10 Main positioning surface
11 Front window
12 Rear window
13 screws
13' screw
14 Perforation
14' perforation
15 Flexible front tab
16 Protrusion
17 Flexible tab, first pressure means
17' flexible tab, first pressure means
18 Second pressure means, flexible tab
18' Second pressure means
19 Back side, second guide surface, ramp
19' Back, 1st guide surface, ramp
20 Control elements
20' control element
21 Protrusion
22 Projecting member
23 Front wall
24 Camera housing, outer housing
24a Bottom housing part
24b Inner housing part
24c Outer housing part
25 base
26 Fasteners
27 Opening
28 Separation line
29 Electrical connection harness
41 Eaves
42 Inclined surface α Yaw angle β Pitch angle γ Roll angle
A Transverse direction
A' Transverse direction
H Main reference plane
H' Second reference plane
Y screw shaft
Y' screw shaft
X optical axis

Claims (19)

A vehicle camera module (1),
a camera unit (2) comprising a camera housing (5) and an optical lens (6) supported by said housing (5) and defining an optical axis (X) of the camera;
a support (3) configured to accommodate said camera unit (2) in a predefined operating position for capturing images;
A cover (4) attachable to the support (3), the camera unit (2) being attached to the support (3) when the support (3) and the cover (4) are fastened together. a cover (4) configured to hold the cover in a pressed position;
Fastening means (13, 13', 14, 14') for fastening the cover (4) to the support (3), such that the cover (4) is fastened to the support (3). fastening means (13, 13', 14, 14') configured and arranged;
a first pressure means (17, 17') provided on the cover (4) and/or the support (3); The pressure means (17, 17') of 1 move the camera unit (2) with respect to the support (3) in a direction parallel to the optical axis (X) and/or on the main positioning surface (10). a first pressure means (17, 17') configured to press in a direction perpendicular to the first pressure means (17, 17');
The camera housing (5) has a front contact surface (7) transverse to the optical axis (X), and the support (3) also has a front contact surface (7) transverse to the optical axis (X). a main positioning surface (10) in a transverse direction, the front contact surface (7) of the camera unit (2) and the main positioning surface when the cover (4) is fastened to the support (3); the surfaces (10) are in contact and pressed together by said first pressure means (17, 17') ;
The fastening means for fastening the cover (4) to the support (3) is such that the cover (4) is fastened to the support (3) in a direction transverse to the optical axis (X). A camera module (1) configured and arranged as follows . Camera module according to claim 1, wherein the first pressure means (17, 17') is provided on the cover (4). The support (3) and the cover (4) are arranged such that when the support (3) and the cover (4) are attached together, the cover (4) is pressed against the camera unit (2). Camera module according to claim 1 or 2 , configured and having such dimensions. The support (3) is configured to extend vertically from the horizontal portion (3b) of the support (3) and contact the lower end of the vertical portion (4b) of the cover (4) on the outside. 2. A control element (20, 20'), said cover (4) dimensioned to fit between said control element (20, 20') and said camera unit ( 2 ). or the camera module described in 3 . Claim wherein said control element (20, 20') comprises at least one back surface (19) facing said main positioning surface (10), in contact with said vertical part (4b) of said cover (4). Camera module according to item 4 . Said support (3) has a portion with at least a generally L-shaped configuration having a vertical portion (3a) and a horizontal portion (3b), said vertical portion (3a) having said main positioning surface (10). and said cover (4) further has a part comprising at least an L-shaped configuration with a vertical part (4b) and a horizontal part (4a), said support (3) and said cover (4) when fastened, the vertical portions (3a, 4b) of the support (3) and the cover (4) are generally parallel to each other and the horizontal portions of the support (3) and the cover (4) Camera module according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein (3b, 4a) are arranged to be generally parallel to each other. The camera housing (5) has a front part (5a) and a rear part (5b) arranged along the direction of the optical axis (X), and the front part (5a) has the lens (6). The rear part (5b) also has an electrical terminal (8) of the camera unit (2), and the vertical part (3a) of the support (3) is located forwardly on the main positioning surface (10). The front part (5a) of the camera unit (2) passes through the window (11) and projects to the outside of the support (3), and the front part (5a) of the camera unit (2) passes through the window (11) and projects to the outside of the support (3). The vertical part (4b) has a rear window (12), and the rear part (5b) of the camera unit (2) passes through the rear window (12) and projects to the outside of the cover (4). , A camera module according to any one of claims 1 to 6 . Said fastening means include two screws (13, 13'), the screwing axes (14, 14') of which are transverse to said optical axis (X), and said screws (13, 13') ') is accessible from the outside of the horizontal part (4a) of said cover (4), and preferably said optical axis (X) is relative to the plane containing said screwed axis (14, 14'). Camera module according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , in a transverse direction. 9. The cover (4) according to any one of claims 2 to 8 , wherein the cover (4) has at least one first pressure means (17, 17') in the vertical part (4b) of the cover ( 4). The camera module. The cover (4) is configured such that when the cover (4) is fastened to the support (3), second pressure means (18, 18') push the camera unit (2) onto the support (3). further comprising said second pressure means (18) configured to press against a second positioning surface defined in a horizontal portion (3b) of said optical axis (X) in a direction transverse to said optical axis (X); 10. The camera module according to any one of claims 2 to 9 . Said support (3) has at least one side wall (3c, 3d), said cover (4) also comprises one side wall (4c, 4d), and said cover (4) has at least one side wall (3c, 3d). At least one side wall (4c, 4d) positions the camera module (2) relative to a third positioning surface defined on one of the side walls (3c, 3d) of the support (3). 10. Camera module according to any one of claims 2 to 9 , comprising third pressure means arranged to press transversely to the optical axis (X). Said first and/or second and/or third pressure means push said camera unit (2) into a flexible position when said cover (4) is operably fastened to said support (3). 12. The camera module of claim 11 , comprising at least one flexible tab configured to push through a certain deformation. 13. Any one of claims 1 to 12 further comprising engagement means cooperating to hold the cover and the support together in a pre-assembled condition before and during their fastening. Camera module described in. Said cooperating engagement means are formed on said cover (4) which engage by flexible deformation with projections (16) formed on the vertical portion (3a) of said support (3). Camera module according to claim 13 , comprising a flexible front tab (15). Said cover (4) incorporates a protruding member (22) provided on the inner surface of the horizontal part (4a) of said cover (4), thus enabling said cover (4) and said support (3) to operate. 15. Any one of claims 1 to 14 , wherein when coupled, the protruding member (22) is adapted to contact and press against the camera unit (2) transversely to the optical axis. The camera module according to item 1. At least one control element (20, 20') has two consecutive guide surfaces (19, 19'), each of which guides said cover (4) while being coupled to said support (3). Camera module according to any one of claims 1 to 15 , comprising different slopes for guiding. The cover (4) has an eave (4) projecting downwardly from the front edge of the horizontal portion (4a) of the cover (4) in a direction generally parallel to the vertical portion (4b) of the cover (4). 41), said eave (41) and said support are arranged so that when said cover (4) is assembled with said support (3) surrounding a camera unit (2), said 17. A camera module according to any one of claims 1 to 16 , wherein a part of the camera module (23) is configured to be trapped between the front surface of the camera unit (2) and the canopy (41). A vehicle outer housing (24),
the outer housing (24) is adapted to be fixed to the outer side of the vehicle and has an opening (27) through which the lens (6) of the camera unit (2) can capture an image; An outer vehicle housing (24) incorporating a camera module according to any one of claims 1 to 17 . The outer housing (24) of claim 18 , wherein the outer housing (24) has a bottom housing portion (24a), an inner housing portion (24b) and an outer housing portion (24c) at the bottom of the housing.

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